We have two separate issues that we are dealing with in Jimmy's particular case: we have the compression fractures and the orthopedic guys, and the therapists and and the Zometa infusions to strenghten his bones. Then we have the myeloma, sneaky and insidious, and infinitely more dangerous.

Our doctor, Dr. Lonial, whom we like very much, is working with patients in clinical trials and is having some encouraging results with the combination of several new drugs, including Revlimid, Velcade and dexamethasone. Assembling Jimmy's pill boxes is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. There are so many pills and all given at different times and on different days and I worry that I might make a mistake. Then on Tuesdays and Fridays we go in early and they take blood to test, and we wait for the results. Then we wait for the doctor to look at the results and make his assessment. Then we go to the infusion room where they hook him up to an IV and we sit there for hours while the chemicals drip drip drip into his body. With all of this sitting and waiting, you'd think it would be an ideal time to make calls or send text messages. Unfortunately, my cell doesn't get a signal in the hospital. So we sit. And sit. And sit.